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Conservative Party of Canada

Andrew Scheer

Statement

November 27, 2015

For immediate release

Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Conservative Foreign Affairs Critic, and James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake and Conservative National Defence Critic, today issued the following statement commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Holodomor:

“Today we join Ukrainians in Canada and across the world in marking Holodomor Memorial Day. The Holodomor was a horrendous and intentional, systematic artificial famine that saw the death of millions upon millions of Ukrainians in 1932-33 by Joseph Stalin. It was an attempt to put an end to the Ukrainian people’s aspirations for a free and independent country by a ruthless communist regime. This horrific act of genocide saw Europe’s breadbasket depleted to a barren land of suffering.

“Indeed, today we remember not only the millions who died for being Patriotic Ukrainians, but we also honour those who survived, and who so generously shared their stories of survival. We are proud that in 2008 we were part of the Government that recognized the Holodomor for what it was: genocide. This was just one of the many actions taken by Canada in demonstrating our unity with our Ukrainian allies.

“We’re also pleased that the Holodomor Mobile Classroom was recently launched by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, so that the lessons we learned from this dark period in history will never be forgotten. We must always remember and honour those that suffered and those that perished in these horrific acts.

“It is also important to acknowledge that the struggle of the Ukrainian people is not over. Canada stands proudly with the people of Ukraine as they work towards a brighter future for their children and grandchildren.

“This week, we stand in solidarity with over 1.2 million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage, and Ukrainians around the world, and remember those affected by this dark chapter in Ukraine’s history. We encourage all Canadians to attend Holodomor Memorial Day services being held in communities across the country this Saturday, November 28th.”